Is AquaFit a Good Fit for Me?

What to Expect from Our Outdoor and Indoor Pool Group Classes

There are plenty of pools and gyms in Overland Park, but The J is one of the few places in the area that combines everyone’s favorite summer activity with a workout suited for all ability levels. We’re talking, of course, about our AquaFit water aerobics classes, hosted in our indoor and outdoor pools.

For those who are new to The J or who are just getting back into a fitness routine, AquaFit classes offer a refreshing alternative to traditional group classes and solo workouts. Wondering if you’re a good fit for this particular program? Let’s break down what to expect from AquaFit and how it can help you reach your fitness goals this summer.

Who Benefits Most from AquaFit?

One of the main things that people love about AquaFit is that it's an appropriate workout for people of all ages and ability levels. Water aerobics is one of the most inclusive group fitness programs The J offers. Keeping that in mind, certain individuals benefit more from the class than others.

For example, those who experience knee or joint pain due to a medical condition or past injury feel right at home in our indoor and outdoor pools. The human body's natural buoyancy in the water makes for low-impact exercise that challenges the muscles while mitigating joint pain and pressure. Those who have long struggled in a traditional gym environment will find a new lease on life in the water.

AquaFit is also a great class for those who are rehabbing their joints. Attendees can relearn balance and posture, regain strength, and burn calories in a safe environment where there’s no risk of falling. Many doctors highly recommend water-based exercises for patients who have undergone full or partial joint replacement surgery.

What to Expect from AquaFit Group Fitness Classes

Our water exercise classes are one hour long and are held in the indoor pool and outdoor community center pool depending on season. During the class, a trainer leads participants through a series of low-impact movements and a variety of strengthening, stretching, and cardio exercises. Participants use buoys, noodles, and other pool props to supplement the workout by adding resistance.

Because the age and ability level of AquaFit participants varies, instructors modify the workouts to better suit their individual capabilities. This makes for an inclusive environment where everyone can perform at their best.

Other Advantages of AquaFit Group Classes

In addition to being a low-impact and joint-friendly workout, class attendees have plenty of other fitness benefits to look forward to, including:

• Increased cardiovascular fitness: Water aerobics provides a great cardiovascular workout that strengthens the heart, muscles, and lungs. The natural resistance of the water during cardio exercises helps build up endurance.
• Target all muscle groups: Our water exercise class targets all muscle groups, resulting in a true full-body workout. The resistance of the water and pool props helps tone muscles and make them stronger.
• Enhanced flexibility and range of motion: Exercising in water helps increase range of motion and flexibility, enabling attendees to perform challenging stretches with greater ease. Those who engage in water aerobics on a regular basis notice reduced muscle tightness and greater joint flexibility.
• Great for burning calories and weight management: Although the AquaFit workout feels less intense compared to other forms of group fitness exercise, the resistance of the water and pool props result in burning calories and supporting participants’ fitness goals. 
• Improved balance and posture: During water aerobics, individuals work against the currents of the pool to maintain their balance. The constant battle to maintain stability promotes better balance, posture, and core strength.
• Available all year: One big advantage of having a community center pool and an indoor pool is that we can offer AquaFit all year round. Whether it’s the dog days of summer or the middle of winter, members of The J can count on water aerobics classes.

Ready to Dive into an AquaFit Class? Here’s What to Do Next

Members of The J get full access to everything our community center has to offer, including group fitness classes. By becoming a member, you can kick off your fitness journey in one of our many AquaFit classes. The J offers plenty of other group fitness classes, including Meshugge CrossFit, yoga, Pilates, cycling, Rock Steady Boxing, and more.

Currently, The J offers memberships for individuals, couples, families, and businesses on a corporate rate. For more information about memberships or to schedule a tour, call (913) 981-8802, or email Bobby Carrico at [email protected].